WO2017010645A1

WO2017010645A1 - Device for improving rate of three-dimensional printer and method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2017010645A1
Application number: PCT/KR2016/001478
Authority: WO
Inventors: 패트릭 용식 심
Original assignee: 주식회사 지앤아이솔루션
Priority date: 2015-07-15
Filing date: 2016-02-15
Publication date: 2017-01-19
Also published as: KR101593488B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for improving the rate of a three-dimensional printer and a method therefor. An embodiment according to the present invention may provide a device for improving the rate of a three-dimensional printer, the device comprising: a container for containing photocurable resin; a light emitting unit for providing light that cures the photocurable resin; a molding substrate, the photocured resin, which has been cured by the light, being attached to the molding substrate; a transfer unit for moving the molding substrate in the upward direction or downward direction; and an ultrasonic wave providing unit for providing ultrasonic waves to the container so as to reduce the viscosity of the photocurable resin, which is contained in the container.

Description

Apparatus and method for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer

The present invention relates to a three-dimensional printer, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer.

Conventional rapid forming can be divided into a method of cutting and bonding a plate-shaped solid material into a desired shape, and a method of welding and curing a liquid material or sintering and laminating a powder material. Among such rapid forming methods, a method of curing and laminating a liquid photocurable resin is SLA (StereoLithographic Apparatus) of the US 3D system, and various rapid forming apparatuses using this method have been developed.

Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-2000-0018892 based on such a photocuring method discloses a technology for generating a negative mask using a liquid crystal panel device, thereby forming an arbitrary three-dimensional sculpture by a transfer method. However, the technique of this publication uses a projection method using a liquid crystal panel rather than a scanning method through a single beam irradiation based on the SLA technique, while the molding stage is immersed in the liquid resin and retracted by the molding thickness. Photocuring takes place. Therefore, this technique has a disadvantage in that it requires difficulty in handling the liquid and additional time in addition to the actual molding because the molding stage needs to select the liquid resin on the stage with the recorder after the retreat.

Japanese Patent No. 3414858 discloses a three-dimensional molding method other than the method of being immersed in a liquid resin, and specifically, placing a molding plate on the top and using a roll to roll method to form a liquid resin on a film. The method of apply | coating and shape | molding it by attaching and photocuring to a shaping | molding plate is disclosed. In other words, this technique causes the cured molding monolayer to descend from top to bottom as light irradiation goes from bottom to top. Therefore, this technique is not only impossible to use a support material for producing a complicated shape, but also has a problem that it takes a lot of time to manufacture the product because the inkjet printing on the hardened cross-section must be upwards from the bottom.

(Prior art document) Patent document

Republic of Korea Patent Publication: No. 10-2000-0018892

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer that can shorten the time to process each layer of the three-dimensional object, and also shorten the overall processing cycle time. .

One embodiment according to the present invention is a container containing a photocurable resin (Photocurable Resin), a light irradiation unit for providing a light to cure the photocurable resin, the photocured resin (Photocured Resin) cured by the light is attached Speed of a three-dimensional printer including a molded substrate, a transfer part for moving the molded substrate in an upward direction or a downward direction, and an ultrasonic wave providing unit for providing ultrasonic waves to the container so that the viscosity of the photocurable resin contained in the container is reduced. It can provide a device for improving the.

In one embodiment, the ultrasonic wave provided by the ultrasonic provider may be delivered to at least one of the photocurable resin, the cured photocurable resin, and the photocurable resin being cured, which is contained in the container.

In another embodiment, the chamber may further include a chamber for sealing the container and a gas injection unit for injecting gas into the chamber to increase the internal pressure of the chamber.

In another embodiment, when the gas injected by the gas injection unit is filled in the chamber, the internal pressure of the chamber may be greater than 1 atm or less than 2 atm.

In yet another embodiment, the gas may include one or more of air and inert gas.

In another embodiment, the photocurable resin is a hydroxyl group-containing acrylate compound, a water-soluble acrylate compound, a polyester acrylate compound of a polyhydric alcohol, an acrylate compound of an ethylene oxide adduct of an alcohol or a polyhydric phenol, Selected from the group consisting of an acrylate compound of a propylene oxide adduct of an alcohol or polyhydric phenol, a polyurethane acrylate compound, an epoxy acrylate compound, a caprolactone modified acrylate compound and a photosensitive (meth) acrylate compound It may include one or more compounds.

Another embodiment according to the present invention comprises the steps of preparing a container containing a photocurable resin, the light irradiation unit providing light to the photocurable resin according to a predetermined method, the photocurable resin is a transfer portion cured by the light It may provide a method of improving the speed of the three-dimensional printer comprising the step of moving the attached molded substrate in the upward direction and the ultrasonic wave providing unit to the ultrasonic wave.

In one embodiment, the step of providing light to the photocurable resin is any one of the step of providing the light sequentially in a predetermined order and simultaneously providing the light to form a predetermined cross section It may include.

In another embodiment, the providing of the ultrasonic wave to the container by the ultrasonic wave provider may include providing ultrasonic wave to the container while the molded substrate is moved upward.

In another embodiment, the providing of the ultrasonic wave to the container by the ultrasonic wave provider may include providing the ultrasonic wave to the container while the light irradiation unit provides light to the photocurable resin according to a predetermined method. Can be.

In another embodiment, the method may further include injecting gas into the chamber to increase an internal pressure of the chamber that seals the container.

Another embodiment according to the present invention is a computer program stored in a computer-readable medium for causing a computer to perform the following steps, the steps of preparing a container containing a photocurable resin, Providing light to the photocurable resin according to a predetermined method, and a transfer unit moving the molded substrate on which the photocurable resin cured by the light is attached upwards, and an ultrasonic wave providing unit provides ultrasonic waves to the container. And a computer program stored in a computer-readable medium for speeding up a three-dimensional printer, the method including injecting gas into the chamber to raise the internal pressure of the chamber for sealing the container.

Another embodiment according to the present invention is a container for receiving a photocurable resin, a light irradiation unit for providing light for curing the photocurable resin, a molded substrate to which the photocurable resin cured by the light is attached, the molded substrate Ultrasonic wave for providing ultrasonic waves to the container housed in the container and the transfer unit for moving in the upward direction or the downward direction, the release layer to allow the cured photocurable resin to adhere to the molded substrate when the molded substrate is moved upward It is possible to provide an apparatus for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer including a providing unit.

In one embodiment, the ultrasonic wave provided by the ultrasonic provider may be transferred between the release layer and the cured photocurable resin.

In another embodiment, the release layer is attached to the inner bottom of the container, it may be disposed between the molded substrate and the container.

In another embodiment, the release layer is any one of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs), poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), poly vinyl alchol (PSA), and polycarbonate. Can be done.

The apparatus and method for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer according to an embodiment of the present invention can shorten the time for processing each layer of a three-dimensional object, and can shorten the time of the entire processing cycle.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects, which are not mentioned above, will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like components throughout. In the following examples, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It will be evident, however, that such aspect (s) may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more aspects.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the ultrasonic providing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention provides ultrasonic waves to the container.

Figure 3 shows an apparatus for improving the speed of the three-dimensional printer with a chamber and a gas injection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows the gas is injected into the chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 shows a method of improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows an apparatus for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer including a release layer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a block diagram of a computer operating to execute a program for executing a method for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing environment implementing a method of increasing the speed of a three-dimensional printer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(Explanation of the sign)

10: device to improve the speed of a three-dimensional printer

100: container

130: inner bottom

110: photocurable resin

120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125: cured photocurable resin

126: curable photocurable resin

200: light irradiation unit

210: light

300: molded substrate

400: transfer unit

500: ultrasound provider

600: chamber

610: gas injection unit

700: isomeric layer

The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention described above will become more apparent through the following embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following specific structural to functional descriptions are merely illustrated for the purpose of describing embodiments in accordance with the concepts of the present invention, and embodiments in accordance with the concepts of the present invention may be embodied in various forms and may not be described in the specification or the application. It should not be construed as limited to the examples.

Embodiments in accordance with the concepts of the present invention can be variously modified and have a variety of forms specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the specification or the application. However, this is not intended to limit the embodiments in accordance with the concept of the present invention to a particular disclosed form, it should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Terms such as first and / or second may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited to the terms. The terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components, for example, without departing from the scope of the rights according to the inventive concept, the first component may be called a second component, and For example, the second component may also be referred to as a first component.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but it may be understood that other components may be present in the middle. Should be. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that no other component exists in the middle. Other expressions to describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "immediately between" or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", should be interpreted as well.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof that is described, and that one or more other features or numbers, It is to be understood that it does not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art, and are not construed in ideal or excessively formal meanings unless expressly defined herein. Do not.

Stereolithography devices include containers for liquid materials (e.g., photocurable resins) that cure when exposed to predetermined radiation, typically light radiation. The light irradiation is produced by light emitting emitting means that selectively or simultaneously irradiates a layer of liquid material having a predetermined thickness and is disposed adjacent the bottom of the container to cure the photocurable resin. The stereolithography apparatus includes a modeling plate (eg, a molded substrate) with a support surface for the three-dimensional object to be built and facing the bottom of the container. The molding substrate is connected with a moving means configured to move the molding substrate in a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the container.

Using this type of stereolithography apparatus, a three-dimensional object is produced by successively laminating layers having a predetermined thickness. More precisely, the molded substrate is first disposed with a support surface submerged in the photocurable resin, at a distance from the bottom of the container equal to the thickness of the first layer of the three-dimensional object. The layer of photocurable resin is determined adjacent to the bottom of the container and is selectively irradiated by light irradiation emitting means to a portion corresponding to the surface area of the first layer of the three-dimensional object, thereby adhering to the surface supporting the molded substrate. And the corresponding cured layer is formed. Subsequently, the molded substrate is moved from the bottom of the container and moved to separate the cured layer from the bottom of the container. In this way, the photocurable resin can flow under the molded substrate, and the photocurable resin necessary for the formation of the continuous layer of the three-dimensional object is continuously replenished.

The molded substrate moves back near the bottom of the container and places the first cured layer at a distance from the bottom equal to the thickness of the continuous layer to be formed. Curing of the new layer of the object is carried out in a similar manner to the previous layer, which comes into contact with the surface of the preceding layer and serves as a support surface for the new layer. The process described above is repeated until all the layers forming the three-dimensional object are cured.

Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a container 100, a light irradiation unit 200, a molding substrate 300, a transfer unit 400, and an ultrasonic agent. Study 500.

The container 100 can accommodate the photocurable resin 110. The photocurable resin 110 accommodated in the container 100 may be cured by the predetermined light 210. Since the container 100 accommodates the photocurable resin 110 and the received photocurable resin 110 is cured, the container 100 is made larger than the molded substrate 300 and the cured photocurable resin 120. It is desirable to be. The photocurable resin 120 cured by the light 210 may be attached to the molded substrate 300. In Figure 1, the container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the form of an upper side in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is not limited thereto. The container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have various shapes at the request of a user. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the most common container 100 containing the photocurable resin 110.

The container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably has a property of transmitting light 210 capable of curing the photocurable resin 110. That is, when the light irradiation unit 200 provides the light 210 under the container 100, the light 210 passes through the container 100 and reaches the photocurable resin 110 accommodated in the container 100. can do. Container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a glass plate (bare glass), ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) substrate, COC (Cyclic olefin copolymer), PAc (Polyacrylate), PC (Polycarbonate), PE (Polyethylene), PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), PEI (Polyetherimide), PEN (Polyethylenenaphthalate), PES (Polyethersulfone), PET (Polyimide), PO (Polyolefin), PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate), PSF (Polysulfone), PVA (Polyvinylylcohol) (Polyvinylcinnamate), TAC (Triacetylcellulose), polysilicon (Poly Silicone), polyurethane (Polyurethane) and epoxy resin (Epoxy Resin) may be made of any one selected from, but is not limited thereto.

The light irradiation part 200 may provide light 210 for curing the photocurable resin 110. The photocurable resin 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be cured into a predetermined three-dimensional object by the light 210 provided. Here, the predetermined three-dimensional object may include the shape of the product to be manufactured by the user. When the user inputs the three-dimensional data of the shape to be completed to the apparatus 10 for improving the speed of the three-dimensional printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, the light irradiation unit 200 is based on the received three-dimensional data. Each layer of the shape to be completed may be formed one by one.

Light irradiation unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a device for providing light energy. For example, the light irradiation unit 200 is a light energy irradiation head (not shown) for condensing and irradiating helium-cadmium laser light energy having a wavelength of 320 nm to the surface layer of the photocurable resin 110 in a spot shape, XY digital It may include an XY position control device (not shown) and a laser light source device (not shown) for moving the light energy irradiation head, such as a plotter in two orthogonal horizontal directions. Here, the mounted laser light source device may include a 5 to 10 nW multi-mode oscillation laser as an ultraviolet generating laser having a wavelength of 325 nm. In addition, when fine processing is important according to a use, the single mode oscillation ultraviolet laser of 3-10mW of output can be used.

The optical fiber may be used as a transmission path so that the light energy generated by the light irradiation unit 200 is efficiently transmitted to the light energy irradiation head. The optical fiber assembled in this apparatus can use a step index type optical fiber using a metallic flexible tube on the outer wall in order to efficiently transmit optical energy and to secure high-dimensional safety. Since the optical fiber of the step index type proceeds by repeating the reflection of the light inside the fiber, the step index type optical fiber can be diffused when the waveform of the laser light is disturbed or ejected from the fiber. When the fine processing is more important, it is preferable to use a single step index type optical fiber or a graded index type optical fiber which does not disturb the waveform of the laser light. When irradiating the light energy emitted from the optical fiber to the photocurable resin 110, an actuator or the like which mechanically turns on and off the optical energy at a near position by a parallel light beam emitted from the light irradiation unit 200, It is also possible to use a plurality of mechanical shutters driven by. The opening and closing of the mechanical shutter is controlled by a signal controlled by the CAM based on the CAD data prepared in the computer modeling system, and can introduce and block light energy from the light irradiation unit 200 into the optical fiber.

Light for curing the photocurable resin 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a laser. For example, the laser may include solid state lasers such as neodymium yag (Nd: YAG), neodymium glass (Nd: Glass), and Ruby (Ruby) lasers. In addition, gas lasers such as excimer lasers, helium neon lasers, nitrogen lasers, and metal vapor lasers may be included, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to specific lasers.

The photocurable resin 110 may be a material that is cured by the light 210. The photocurable resin 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a hydroxy group-containing acrylate compound, a water-soluble acrylate compound, a polyester acrylate compound of a polyhydric alcohol, an acrylate of an ethylene oxide adduct of an alcohol or a polyhydric phenol. An acrylate compound of a propylene oxide adduct of a compound, an alcohol or a polyhydric phenol, a polyurethane acrylate compound, an epoxy acrylate compound, a caprolactone modified acrylate compound, and a photosensitive (meth) acrylate compound It may be one or more compounds selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

Photocurable resin 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a composition that is cured by an ultraviolet laser having a wavelength of 400nm or less. It is preferable that the photocurable resin 110 of such a composition consists of an acrylate resin and / or an epoxy resin. In addition, the photocurable resin 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a photocurable resin 110 having a specific gravity of 1.2, a viscosity of 1.4Ps, and a molecular weight of about 200 to 700. The photocurable resin 110 has a low viscosity, and a curing agent and / or a polymerization initiator having a relatively high shrinkage ratio may be added.

The photocurable resin 110 cured by the light 210 may be attached to the molded substrate 300. The photocurable resin 110 is accommodated in the container 100, and a molded substrate 300 is supported on a part of the photocurable resin 110. When the light 210 is irradiated by the light irradiation unit 200, the light 210 cures the photocurable resin 110, and the cured photocurable resin 120 is attached to the molded substrate 300. Of course, the cured photocurable resin 120 may be attached on the inner bottom surface 103 of the container 100. The cured photocurable resin 120 attached to the molding substrate 300 may be a layer of a three-dimensional object that a user or the like intends to manufacture. When a layer of a layer of a predetermined three-dimensional object is laminated, the user can produce the overall shape of the three-dimensional object to be manufactured.

The molding substrate 300 may move in an upward direction or a downward direction by the transfer part 400. When the photocurable resin 110 is cured by the light 210 provided by the light irradiator 200, a first layer of a predetermined 3D object may be formed. The cured photocurable resin 120 may be attached to the bottom surface of the molded substrate 300. When the molded substrate 300 is moved upward while the cured photocurable resin 120 is attached to the molded substrate 300, a gap is formed between the container 100 and the cured photocurable resin 120. (Eg, a gap or a space) may be formed, and the photocurable resin 110 may be filled between the gaps. When the photocurable resin 110 is filled between the container 100 and the cured photocurable resin 120, a second layer of a predetermined 3D object may be formed by the light irradiator 200. If this process is repeated, a three-dimensional object may be formed.

However, the photocurable resin 110 cured by the light irradiation part 200 may be attached to the inner bottom 103 of the container 100 as well as the molded substrate 300. That is, when light 210 is irradiated by the light irradiation part 200, it passes through the inner bottom surface 103 of the container 100 and reaches between the molding substrate 300 and the inner bottom surface 103 of the container 100. The photocurable resin 110 between the molding substrate 300 and the inner bottom surface 103 of the container 100 may be cured to form the cured photocurable resin 120. Although the cured photocurable resin 120 is preferably attached only to the molded substrate 300, in the conventional three-dimensional printer, the cured photocurable resin 110 may not only form the molded substrate 300 but also the inner bottom surface 103 of the container 100. ) Is also attached to the problem. When the cured photocurable resin 120 is attached to the inner bottom surface 103 of the container 100 and the conveying part 400 moves the forming substrate 300 upwards, excessive force must be provided, and as a result, The problem of slowing down the speed of a three-dimensional printer occurs. In order to solve such a problem, the inventor of the present invention provides an ultrasonic providing unit 500 for providing an ultrasonic wave (ultrasonics wave) to the container 100 so that the viscosity of the photocurable resin 110 contained in the container 100 is reduced. Introduced. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic providing unit 500 may be disposed on one side of the container 100 to provide ultrasonic waves to the container 100, and the arrangement or position of the ultrasonic providing unit 500 may be particularly limited. It is not limited. Hereinafter, the principle of lowering the viscosity of the photocurable resin 110 accommodated in the container 100 by the ultrasound providing unit 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that six hardened

curable resins

120, 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125 are formed on the bottom surface of the molded substrate 300. Curing was completed from 120 to 125 in sequence, and 126 is currently in progress. The light 210 irradiated by the light irradiation unit 200 cures the photocurable resin 110 in the container 100, and the photocurable resin 126 being cured has a lower surface of the cured photocurable resin 125. Is attached to. Also. The curable photocurable resin 126 may be attached to the lower surface of the photocurable resin 125 that is already cured, but may also be attached to the inner bottom 103 of the container 100.

In this case, when the ultrasound providing unit 500 provides the ultrasonic wave USW to the container 100, the temperature of the photocurable resin 126 that is being cured and the photocurable resin 110 that is in the periphery increases, and the photocurable is being cured. When the temperature of the resin 126 and the photocurable resin 110 rises, the binding force between the molecules of the photocurable resin 110 falls and the viscosity of the photocurable resin 110 falls. When the viscosity of the curable photocurable resin 126 and the photocurable resin 110 is lowered, the adhesion between the curable photocurable resin 126 and the inner bottom 103 of the container 100 is also reduced, thereby transferring the feeder 400. May not move the molding substrate 300 in the upward direction.

In more detail, the photocurable resin 110 is most often a liquid medium having a viscosity. When the ultrasonic wave USW is applied to the photocurable resin 110, a cavity may be formed in the photocurable resin 110 by repeated compression and expansion of the ultrasonic wave USW. When the cavity becomes larger than any other, the cavity is destroyed, and the photocurable resin 110 reaches a state of high temperature and high pressure of about 500 ° C and 1000 atm. Such conditions break through the bonds in the molecules of the photocurable resin 110 to trigger the formation of free radicals. Therefore, when the ultrasonic wave (USW) is provided to the photocurable resin 110 compound as a monomer, the polymerization reaction can be performed without a separate chemical initiator. In addition, the photocurable resin 110 is a shear stress field is formed by the rapid movement of the solvent and a strong shock wave, the molecular chain is broken. Molecular weight is reduced by the strong shear stress, since the viscosity of the photocurable resin 110 is reduced, the releasability may be increased.

In general, the factor that determines the speed of the three-dimensional printer is to remove the cured photocurable resin 120 from the inner bottom surface 103 of the container 100, and then move the molding substrate 300 upward and then downward again. The time to move to is included. In order to reduce the time, the molded substrate 300 should be moved with a large force, but when a strong force is applied during manufacturing due to the characteristics of the three-dimensional object manufactured by the three-dimensional printer, the three-dimensional object is broken. At this time, by using the ultrasonic wave can move the molded substrate 300 in the upper direction with a small force, it is possible to significantly reduce the production time of the three-dimensional object.

When the ultrasound provider 500 provides the ultrasound to the container 100, the ultrasound USW may be transmitted to the photocurable resin 126 and the photocurable resin 110 that are being cured. In order to maximize the effect of the present invention, the ultrasound providing unit 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention may adjust the position to be transferred between the container 100 and the cured photocurable resin 120. When the ultrasonic wave USW is transmitted through the container 100 and the photocurable resin 110, the intensity of the ultrasonic wave may be reduced to provide a strong ultrasonic wave. In order to solve this problem, the ultrasound providing unit 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention may allow the ultrasound to be transferred between the container 100 and the cured photocurable resin 120.

Referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a chamber 600 and a gas injection unit 610.

The chamber 600 may seal the container 100. Here, sealing the container 100 means that the container 100 is located inside the chamber 600, and gas inside the chamber 600 does not flow out of the chamber 600. In FIG. 3, the transfer part 400 and the ultrasound provider 500 are exposed to the outside of the chamber 600, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the chamber 600 may include the transfer part 400 and the ultrasound provider 500. All may be contained inside to seal. If a certain pressure can be provided to the photocurable resin 110 inside the container 100, the structure of the chamber 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited. Hereinafter, a description will be given based on the chamber 600 shown in FIG. 3.

The gas injection unit 610 may inject gas into the chamber 600 such that the internal pressure of the chamber 600 increases. The gas injection unit 610 may be provided at one side of the chamber 600, and a plurality of gas injection units 610 may be provided. When the gas injection unit 610 injects gas into the chamber 600, the pressure inside the chamber 600 increases, and the pressure may be transmitted to the photocurable resin 110. In one embodiment, the gas injected may be one or more of air and inert gas. The inert gas may include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), radon (Rn) and the like. When the provided gas reacts with the photocurable resin 110, unexpected results may occur, and an appropriate inert gas may be selected in consideration of the properties of the photocurable resin 110. In addition, the pressure inside the chamber 600 formed by the gas to be injected is preferably more than 1 atm 2 atm or less. When the pressure inside the chamber 600 formed by the injected gas is 1 atm or less, the purpose of increasing the pressure inside the chamber 600 by providing gas cannot be achieved, and the chamber formed by the injected gas ( When the pressure inside the 600 is greater than 2 atm, the conditions under which the photocurable resin 110 is cured may be changed, and the cost of manufacturing the chamber 600 may be excessively increased.

Referring to FIG. 4, the gas injected from the gas injection unit 610 may be provided inside the chamber 600. The provided gas may provide constant pressures P11 and P12 to the upper surface of the photocurable resin 110. Pressures P11 and P12 provided on the upper surface of the photocurable resin 110 may transmit constant pressures P21 and P22 to the inside of the photocurable resin 110. In this case, when the molded substrate 300 starts to move upward by the transfer part 400, a predetermined gap (for example, a gap or a space) may be formed between the photocurable resin 126 and the container 100 being cured. Can be. Here, the formed gap has a pressure smaller than any part of the photocurable resin 110 contained in the container 100, and the photocurable resin 110 is formed by the pressure provided by the gas injection unit 610. It can quickly enter the space. In FIG. 4, Flow 1 and Flow 2 show that the photocurable resin 110 rapidly flows into the gap formed between the photocurable resin 126 and the container 100 in the present invention as compared with the conventional three-dimensional printer.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, in step S510, a container 100 in which the photocurable resin 110 is accommodated may be prepared. The photocurable resin 110 contained in the container 100 is preferably filled to a part of the molded substrate 300 so as to be submerged.

In operation S520, the light irradiation unit 200 may provide the light 210 to the photocurable resin 110 according to a predetermined method. The light 210 provided by the light irradiation unit 200 passes through the container 100 to reach the photocurable resin 110 contained in the container 100, and the photocurable resin 110 is caused by the light 210 that reaches the light 210. The curing of can be initiated. Here, the provision of the light 210 according to the predetermined method may include a method of providing the light 210 provided based on the information on the layer of the 3D object to be manufactured by the user. For example, the information about the layer may include information about the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object to be manufactured by the user or information about the CAD converted from the three-dimensional shape into a digital signal. When the cross section of the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object to be manufactured by the user is completed, the photocurable resin 126 cured by the light 210 may be attached to the molded substrate 300.

In operation S530, the transfer unit 400 may move the molded substrate 300 to which the photocurable resin 126 cured by the light 210 is attached in an upward direction. Since the cured photocurable resin 110 is attached not only to the molded substrate 300 but also to the inner bottom surface 103 of the container 100, it is necessary to apply a constant force to move the molded substrate 300 upward.

In operation S540, the ultrasound provider 500 may provide ultrasound to the container 100. In step S530, in order to move the forming substrate 300 upward, the transfer unit 400 must provide a constant force, and the time for moving the forming substrate 300 upward and then downward again is determined by the three-dimensional printer. It is a factor that increases product manufacturing time. In order to solve such a problem, the ultrasonic providing unit 500 may provide ultrasonic waves to the container 100, and more specifically, the ultrasonic providing unit 500 may transmit ultrasonic waves to the container 100 and the cured photocurable resin. By providing between 120, the viscosity of the photocurable resin 110 and the curable photocurable resin 126 can be lowered. In addition, the speed of photocuring may be increased by the ultrasonic waves provided. When the viscosity of the photocurable resin 110 and the curable photocurable resin 126 is lowered, the transfer part 400 may move the molding substrate 300 upward with a small force, and overall, the production time of the three-dimensional printer may be improved. Can be shortened.

In order to further shorten the manufacturing time of the three-dimensional object, the ultrasound providing unit 500 provides the ultrasonic wave USW to the container 100, while the ultrasonic substrate 500 is moved to the container 100 while the forming substrate 300 is moved upward. USW). In addition, the light irradiation unit 200 may provide ultrasonic waves to the container 100 while providing the light 210 to the photocurable resin 110 according to a predetermined method. That is, the step of irradiating the light 201 and the moving toward the upper direction of the molding substrate 300 may be performed simultaneously with the step of providing the ultrasonic waves or may be performed together at a slight time interval.

In operation S550, gas may be injected into the chamber 600 such that the internal pressure of the chamber 600 closing the container 100 increases. As described above, in order to shorten the manufacturing time of the three-dimensional printer, the molding substrate 300 moves in the upper direction and the lower direction, or when the molding substrate 300 moves in the upper direction, the photocurable resin 110 It is desirable to provide. To this end, when the container 100 is sealed by the chamber 600 and gas is injected into the closed container 100, the movement of the photocurable resin 110 may be activated by the injected gas. When the molding substrate 300 moves upwards and a constant gap is formed between the container 100 and the cured photocurable resin 110, the speed at which the photocurable resin 110 enters between the gap or the space may be increased. Can be. Since the photocurable resin 110 has a viscosity of a certain degree or more, the movement of the photocurable resin 110 is slower than that of a pure liquid. At this time, if a predetermined pressure is applied to the photocurable resin 110, the pressure can move more quickly to a space having a low pressure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the apparatus 10 for improving the speed of a three-dimensional printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a container 100, a light irradiation part 200, a molding substrate 300, a transfer part 400, and a mold release body. The layer 700 and the ultrasound providing unit 500 may be included.

The container 100 can accommodate the photocurable resin 110.

The light irradiation unit 200 may provide light to cure the photocurable resin 110 contained in the container 100. The photocurable resin 110 may be cured by the provided light to form a cross section of a product to be manufactured by a user.

The photocurable resin 110 cured by light may be attached to the molded substrate 300. The photocured resin cured by light may be stacked in order while forming one cross section, and the stacked cured photocurable resin may be attached to the molding substrate 300 in order.

The transfer part 400 may move the molding substrate 300 in an upward direction or a downward direction.

When the transfer unit 400 moves the molded substrate 300 in the upward direction, the photocurable resin 110 is filled in the space between the container 100 and the cured photocurable resin 110, and the user of the product to be manufactured A cross section can be formed.

The release layer 700 may allow the cured photocurable resin 126 to adhere to the molding substrate 300 when the molding substrate 300 is moved upward. That is, the release layer 700 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disposed between the container 100 and the molded substrate 300 so that the cured photocurable resin 120 does not adhere to the container and the molded substrate 300 is formed. ) So that it can be attached better. The release layer 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention is preferably several hundred μm, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to a specific thickness of the release layer 700. The release layer 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention is preferably disposed between the inner bottom surface 103 of the container 100 and the cured photocurable resin 110. That is, the light 210 provided to the light irradiation part 200 passes through the container 100 and the release layer 700 to cure the photocurable resin 110, and the cured photocurable resin 110 is molded. It may be attached to the substrate 300. If the release layer 700 is disposed between the container 100 and the cured photocurable resin 110, the cured photocurable resin 110 and the container 100 do not directly contact each other so that the transfer part 400 is molded. When the substrate 300 moves upward, the substrate 300 may move quickly without providing excessive force. Accordingly, the release layer 700 has a smaller adhesion force with the cured photocurable resin 120 than the molded substrate 300. The release layer 700 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs), poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), poly vinyl alchol (PVA), and polycarbonate. It is preferable to consist of either.

The ultrasound provider 500 may provide ultrasound to the container 100 accommodated in the container 100. More specifically, the ultrasonic waves provided by the ultrasonic provider 500 may be transferred between the release layer 700 and the cured photocurable resin 120. The method of providing the ultrasound by the ultrasound providing unit 500 has been described above in detail, which will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 7, a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which various aspects of one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented may be provided.

Although the invention has been described above generally with respect to computer executable instructions that may be executed on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be implemented in combination with other program modules and / or as a combination of hardware and software. will be.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods of the present invention may be used in uniprocessor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, handheld computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like (each of which And other computer system configurations, including one or more associated devices, which may operate in conjunction with one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the invention can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computers typically include a variety of computer readable media. Any medium that can be accessed by a computer can be a computer readable medium, and such computer readable media includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROMs, digital video disks or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, Or any other medium that can be accessed by a computer and used to store desired information.

Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data on modulated data signals, such as carrier waves or other transport mechanisms, and convey all information. Media. The term modulated data signal means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, or other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also intended to be included within the scope of computer readable media.

An exemplary environment 1100 is illustrated that implements various aspects of the present invention, including a computer 1102, which includes a processing unit 1104, a system memory 1106, and a system bus 1108. do. System bus 1108 connects system components, including but not limited to system memory 1106, to processing unit 1104. Processing unit 1104 may be any of a variety of commercial processors. Dual processor and other multiprocessor architectures may also be used as the processing unit 1104.

System bus 1108 may be any of several types of bus structures that may be further interconnected to a memory bus, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercial bus architectures. System memory 1106 includes read only memory (ROM) 1110 and random access memory (RAM) 1112. The basic input / output system (BIOS) is stored in nonvolatile memory 1110, such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc., and the BIOS provides a basic aid for transferring information between components in the computer 1102, such as during startup. Contains routines. RAM 1112 may also include fast RAM, such as static RAM, for caching data.

Computer 1102 also includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 1114 (eg, EIDE, SATA) —this internal hard disk drive 1114 may also be configured for external use within a suitable chassis (not shown). Yes, magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1116 (eg, for reading from or writing to removable diskette 1118), and optical disk drive 1120 (eg, CD-ROM Disk 1122 for reading from or writing to or reading from other high capacity optical media such as DVD). The hard disk drive 1114, the magnetic disk drive 1116, and the optical disk drive 1120 are connected to the system bus 1108 by the hard disk drive interface 1124, the magnetic disk drive interface 1126, and the optical drive interface 1128, respectively. ) Can be connected. Interface 1124 for external drive implementation includes at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies.

These drives and their associated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer executable instructions, and the like. In the case of computer 1102, drives and media correspond to storing any data in a suitable digital format. Although the above description of computer readable media refers to HDDs, removable magnetic disks, and removable optical media such as CDs or DVDs, those skilled in the art will appreciate zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like. Other types of computer readable media may also be used in the exemplary operating environment and it will be appreciated that any such media may include computer executable instructions for performing the methods of the present invention.

Multiple program modules may be stored in the drive and RAM 1112, including operating system 1130, one or more application programs 1132, other program modules 1134, and program data 1136. All or a portion of the operating system, applications, modules and / or data may also be cached in RAM 1112. It will be appreciated that the present invention may be implemented in various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

A user may enter commands and information into the computer 1102 via one or more wired / wireless input devices, such as a keyboard 1138 and a mouse 1140. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, IR remote control, joystick, game pad, stylus pen, touch screen, and the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 1104 via an input device interface 1142, which is connected to the system bus 1108, but the parallel port, IEEE 1394 serial port, game port, USB port, IR interface, Etc. can be connected by other interfaces.

A monitor 1144 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 1108 via an interface such as a video adapter 1146. In addition to the monitor 1144, the computer generally includes other peripheral output devices (not shown) such as speakers, printers, and the like.

Computer 1102 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer (s) 1148, via wired and / or wireless communications. Remote computer (s) 1148 may be a workstation, server computer, router, personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment device, peer device, or other conventional network node, and generally for computer 1102. Although many or all of the described components are included, for simplicity, only memory storage 1150 is shown. The logical connections shown include wired / wireless connections to a local area network (LAN) 1152 and / or a larger network, such as a telecommunications network (WAN) 1154. Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and businesses, facilitating enterprise-wide computer networks such as intranets, all of which may be connected to worldwide computer networks, such as the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1102 is connected to the local network 1152 via a wired and / or wireless communication network interface or adapter 1156. Adapter 1156 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to LAN 1152, which also includes a wireless access point installed therein for communicating with wireless adapter 1156. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1102 may include a modem 1158, connect to a communication server on the WAN 1154, or otherwise establish communications over the WAN 1154. Have the means. The modem 1158, which may be an internal or external and wired or wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1108 via the serial port interface 1142. In a networked environment, program modules or portions thereof described with respect to computer 1102 may be stored in remote memory / storage device 1150. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers can be used.

Computer 1102 is associated with any wireless device or entity disposed and operating in wireless communication, such as a printer, scanner, desktop and / or portable computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, wireless detectable tag. Communicate with any equipment or location (eg, kiosk, newsstand, restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ™ wireless technology. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure as in a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) allows you to connect to the Internet from a sofa in your home, a bed in a hotel room, or a meeting room at work without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology such as a cell phone that allows such a device, for example, a computer, to transmit and receive data indoors and outdoors, ie anywhere within the coverage area of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use a wireless technology called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, high-speed wireless connections. Wi-Fi may be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to a wired network (using IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz wireless bands, for example at 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rates, or in products that include both bands (dual band), As a result, the network can provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet network used in many offices.

Referring to FIG. 8, system 1200 includes one or more client (s) 1202. Client (s) 1202 may be hardware and / or software (eg, threads, processes, computing devices). Client (s) 1202 may, for example, maintain cookie (s) and / or associated contextual information by using the present invention.

System 1200 also includes one or more server (s) 1204. Server (s) 1204 may also be hardware and / or software (eg, threads, processes, computing devices). The server 1204 may, for example, keep a thread that performs the transformation by using the present invention. One possible communication between client 1202 and server 1204 may be in the form of a data packet configured to be transmitted between two or more computer processes. The data packet may include, for example, a cookie and / or associated contextual information. System 1200 may be used to facilitate communication between client (s) 1202 and server (s) 1204 (e.g., worldwide communication networks, such as the Internet). It includes.

Communication may be facilitated via wired (including optical fibers) and / or wireless technology. Client (s) 1202 may include one or more client data store (s) that may be used to store information (eg, cookie (s) and / or associated contextual information) local to client (s) 1202. 1208 is connected to and operates. Similarly, server (s) 1204 operates in connection with one or more server data store (s) 1210 that can be used to store information local to servers 1204.

Although the above has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below It will be appreciated that modifications and variations can be made.

As described above, related contents have been described in the best mode for carrying out the invention.

The present invention can be used in three-dimensional printers, printing devices, three-dimensional printing programs and the like.

Claims

A container containing a photocurable resin;

A light irradiation unit providing light for curing the photocurable resin;

A molded substrate to which the photocured resin cured by the light is attached;

A transfer unit for moving the molded substrate in an upward direction or a downward direction; And

Ultrasonic providing unit for providing an ultrasonic wave (Ultrasonics Wave) to the container so that the viscosity of the photocurable resin contained in the container is reduced;

Including,

A device that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
The method of claim 1,

The ultrasonic wave provided by the ultrasonic wave providing unit,

Housed in the container,

Characterized in that it is delivered to at least one of the photocurable resin, the cured photocurable resin, and the photocurable resin being cured,

A device that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
The method of claim 1,

A chamber for sealing the container; And

A gas injecting unit for injecting gas into the chamber to increase the internal pressure of the chamber;

Further comprising,

A device that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
The method of claim 3, wherein

When the gas injected by the gas injection unit is filled in the chamber,

The internal pressure of the chamber is characterized in that more than 1 atm or less than 2 atm,

A device that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
The method of claim 3, wherein

The gas comprises at least one of air and inert gas,

A device that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
The method of claim 1,

The photocurable resin,

Acrylate group compound of hydroxy group containing acrylate type compound, water-soluble acrylate type compound, polyester acrylate type compound of polyhydric alcohol, ethylene oxide addition compound of alcohol or polyhydric phenol, acrylate compound of propylene oxide addition group of alcohol or polyhydric phenol At least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound, a polyurethane acrylate compound, an epoxy acrylate compound, a caprolactone-modified acrylate compound and a photosensitive (meth) acrylate compound,

A device that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
Preparing a container containing the photocurable resin;

Providing a light to the photocurable resin according to a predetermined method by a light irradiation unit;

Moving a molded substrate on which the photocurable resin cured by the light is attached to an upward direction; And

Providing an ultrasonic wave to the container by an ultrasonic provider;

Including,

How to speed up 3D printers.
The method of claim 7,

Providing light to the photocurable resin;

Sequentially providing the light in a predetermined order; And

Simultaneously providing said light to form a predetermined cross section;

Including any one of steps,

How to speed up 3D printers.
The method of claim 7, wherein

Providing an ultrasonic wave to the container by the ultrasonic provider;

Providing ultrasonic waves to the container while the molded substrate is moved in an upward direction;

Including,

How to speed up 3D printers.
The method of claim 7, wherein

Providing an ultrasonic wave to the container by the ultrasonic provider;

Providing ultrasonic waves to the container while the light irradiation unit provides light to the photocurable resin according to a predetermined method;

Including,

How to speed up 3D printers.
The method of claim 7, wherein

Injecting gas into the chamber to increase the internal pressure of the chamber that seals the vessel;

Further comprising,

How to speed up 3D printers.
A computer program stored in a computer-readable medium for causing a computer to perform the following steps:

The steps are

Preparing a container containing the photocurable resin;

Providing a light to the photocurable resin according to a predetermined method by a light irradiation unit;

Moving a molded substrate on which the photocurable resin cured by the light is attached to an upward direction;

Providing an ultrasonic wave to the container by an ultrasonic provider; And

Injecting gas into the chamber to increase the internal pressure of the chamber that seals the vessel;

Including,

A computer program stored on a computer-readable medium that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
A container containing a photocurable resin;

A light irradiation unit providing light for curing the photocurable resin;

A molded substrate to which the photocurable resin cured by the light is attached;

A transfer unit for moving the molded substrate in an upward direction or a downward direction;

A release layer for allowing the cured photocurable resin to adhere to the molded substrate when the molded substrate moves upward; And

Ultrasonic providing unit for providing ultrasonic waves to the container accommodated in the container;

Including,

A device that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
The method of claim 13,

The ultrasonic wave provided by the ultrasonic wave providing unit,

Transferred between the release layer and the cured photocurable resin,

A device that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
The method of claim 13,

The isomeric layer is.

It is attached to the inner bottom surface of the container, characterized in that disposed between the molded substrate and the container,

A device that speeds up a three-dimensional printer.
The method of claim 13,

The release layer is,

To improve the speed of a three-dimensional printer, characterized in that made of any one of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), PU (polyurethane), PFPEs (perfluoropolyethers), PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate), PS (polystyrene), PVA (poly vinyl alchol), Polycarbonate Device.